second Premier Division title according to team captain Arnold Manders.

Saying that it took more than just a star-studded cast of individuals, Manders alluded to the great chemistry that existed on his team which enabled talent to flourish within a team concept, resulting in their claiming the ultimate prize in local cricket.

"Most of our guys have scored a lot of runs and when the chips were down, where we've lost wickets someone has always come in and made sure we came out with the result we needed and I attribute that to our team spirit and motivation for this year,'' said Manders.

"I would say the key ingredient for us has been team spirit and motivation.'' The pre-season acquisitions of Bermuda captain Albert Steede from Devonshire and Ricky Brangman, formerly of Southampton, caused a buzz early on, with some branding the side Western "All'' Stars.

They also forced team-mates into battles of their own just to earn places among the starting 11 as consecutive poor performances often resulted in one being dropped.

Still, doubts were raised when Stars got off to a shaky start, losing their first match to St. George's at Wellington Oval when the visitors could only muster 120 in reply to the home side's 133.

However, in hindsight, Manders indicated the result was a blessing in disguise and their record of eight wins, five draws and a no result since opening day would indicate as much.

"Definitely that was an early wake up call,'' said Manders, who at 36 gave no hint of retirement. "I mean, after the loss against St. George's we told the guys that maybe that's our wake up call and it's a good thing it happened at the beginning of the year.

"It's been a hard season with all the rainouts and whatever, but we still stuck to our task and came through.'' Perhaps the brightest `Star' has been Steede, who reaffirmed his status as the Island's premier batsman, accumulating 1,224 runs from 23 innings to date -- by far the most of any batsmen and his average of 76.5 is second only to James Pace of PHC, who has played only seven innings.

In addition, Steede has mustered four centuries and five half centuries to lead both categories and has the second highest score of 144 against Social Club.

Yet, while acknowledging Steede's contribution, Manders was quick to point out that his is no one man gang.

"Albert hasn't disappointed anyone, I know the fans love him, he's had a great season, but there are other guys who have chipped in because Albert hasn't made runs every game,'' he said. "We've had Jeffrey (Richardson) who has come through, Ricky Brangman had a fine start to the season, Andre (Manders) has chipped in, Cleon (Scotland) has also, Hasan (Durham) has bowled well, and then there's Wayne Richardson and Allan Brangman.'' Four Stars presently occupy the top 20 spots in the batting averages -- Steede, Jeff Richardson, Ricky Brangman and Gregory Sampson -- and three are on the bowling charts -- Manders, Durham and Allan Brangman.

Manders rated the current squad as being even better than the one which won the championship three years ago.

With the league title tucked securely away along with the Central Counties crown Manders and his men now set their sights on the Knockout Cup and Champion of Champions competitions as they seek trophies three and four.

CLEON SCOTLAND -- Has shined at key moments.